Master of Public Health

The Master of Public Health is a 2-year degree (full-time) or 4-year degree (part-time), designed to build both breadth and depth in public health knowledge and practice. Delivered as a flexible mixed-mode program, the Master of Public Health allows you to study on campus or online, or a combination of both, to suit your lifestyle. Experience learning in Parkville, at the heart of Melbourne’s biomedical precinct and close to key industry partners, or enjoy the convenience of online study designed to fit around work and other commitments.

Core subjects

All students undertake six core subjects that provide the essential foundations of public health theory and practice

• Foundations of Public Health
• Biostatistics
• Epidemiology 1
• Qualitative Research in Public Health
• Applied Program Development
• Public Health Leadership and Policy

These subjects ensure you develop critical knowledge and skills in the fundamental disciplines of public health.

Electives

As a Master of Public Health student, you’ll have the flexibility to choose from more than 60 electives across a wide range of public health areas, helping you develop expertise that aligns with your interests and future career goals. Our expert teaching staff provide guidance for elective selection and alignment with career aspirations.

Global Health

Address international health challenges and disparities, understand global health governance, and develop expertise in program design for diverse cultural contexts.

Epidemiology and Biostatistics

Master advanced methods for the collection, analysis and interpretation of health data to identify risk factors and evaluate interventions.

Health Policy, Systems and Practice

Develop skills to analyse, develop and implement health policies, and understand how healthcare systems function across different contexts.

Indigenous Health

Work towards health equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities with culturally appropriate approaches to health promotion and service delivery.

Infectious Disease Epidemiology

Specialise in surveillance, prevention and control of infectious diseases with advanced knowledge of outbreak investigation and management.

Health Economics and Economic Evaluation

Gain expertise in economic analysis and evaluation of health programs, services and policies to inform resource allocation decisions.

Sexual Health

Focus on sexual and reproductive health promotion, education, and service delivery with attention to rights-based approaches.

Evaluation and Implementation Science

Learn to design rigorous evaluations of public health interventions and translate research evidence into effective practice.

Gerontology

Address the health challenges of ageing populations with integrated approaches to complex care needs and healthy ageing strategies.

Climate, Environment and Health

Explore the health impacts of environmental change and develop strategies to mitigate risks and promote sustainable health outcomes.

Health, Gender and Society

Examine how social determinants influence health outcomes and healthcare experiences across different populations.

Oral Public Health

Investigate the social, behavioural, and structural determinants of oral health across populations through epidemiology and public health theory to develop research-informed strategies.

Capstone Experience

Choose one of three options to integrate and apply your learning in a culminating experience:

Professional Practice Unit

Complete a supervised workplace placement (160-240 hours) with a host organisation. Placements are available in metropolitan Melbourne, rural Victoria, interstate and international locations.

Public Health in Practice

Engage with complex, contemporary public health challenges through problem-based learning scenarios that simulate real-world professional environments.

Research Project

Work under the guidance of an expert supervisor on a research project in your interest area developing valuable skills in literature review, research design, data analysis and evaluation.

Global Learning Opportunities

Enhance your MPH experience through our global learning options:

• Global Health Field Experience in Jamkhed, India: A 3-week residential course focused on primary healthcare in low-resource settings.
• Exchange Programs with partner universities in Sweden, Canada, India, and more.

These international experiences provide valuable insights into varied healthcare systems and approaches to public health challenges in different cultural contexts.

View the University Handbook for more detail